Challenger Baseball program in place on the Northside

Peggy MacDonald, Atlantic regional assistant district administrator for the Challenger Baseball program, and Kenny Bradley, Little League Canada district administrator for Atlantic Canada, recently did an inventory of equipment for the challenger program.

SYDNEY MINES, N.S. - Youth and young adults of all abilities should have the opportunity to play sports, according to Peggy MacDonald, Atlantic regional assistant district administrator for the Challenger Baseball program.

“To that end we are renewing the Challenger program taking in all of industrial Cape Breton,” said MacDonald, who is also treasurer of Sydney Mines and District Little League.

“Anybody that wants to join is most welcome whatever the community. For children and youth with challenges there is no way for them to play sports as part of a regular sporting event which is why we have the Challenger program.”

Anyone who hasn’t registered for the program in Sydney Mines can do so Mondays at 6 p.m. in the Ramblers Hall at the Pitt Street Sports Complex.

Challenger Baseball is a program that provides an opportunity for children with cognitive or physical disabilities to enjoy the full benefits of participation in baseball at a level structured to their abilities.

“This is the first time the Challenger Baseball program will be delivered through the Blue Jays Care Foundation and Little League Canada across the country,” MacDonald said.

MacDonald, and Kenny Bradley, district administrator for Atlantic Canada with Little League Canada, and coaches from the local area recently attended a conference on the Challenger Baseball program hosted by the Jays Care Foundation.

“We ran the Challenger program in Sydney Mines last year and there were children that wouldn’t high-five us at the beginning, and at the end of the season were giving high fives to everyone,” MacDonald said.

“This year the Challenger program is district-wide. You see how much it means for these young people to get to play the game of baseball under the lights and have their name announced, that’s what it is all about.”

To learn more about the program or where to register call Peggy MacDonald, 902-574-6715, Gen Nicholson, 902-842-4157 or Bev Haggett, 902-577-6585.

“It’s important to note that anyone interested can register for the program at any time,” MacDonald said. “As well, if anyone wants to volunteer with the program they would be most welcome to do so.”

Official registration for the Challenger Baseball program will take place at the Table Head field in Glace Bay today at 6 p.m.

“Anyone who can’t make today’s registration can register Thursdays at the field between 5 and 7 p.m.,” said Gen Nicholson of Glace Bay Little League.

Sydney’s Challenger program registration takes place at Fatima Church hall in Sydney River Saturday, April 29 from 1-2 p.m.